Archive for
March 21st, 2009
Stories
India: Gujarat Diamond Workers Suicide in the Face of Crisis
Dreaming of Diamonds by Swamibu
On the following videos we can see and hear about the situation the Gujarat diamond polishers in India are facing. As the world recession and economic crisis affects their industry, thousands are laid off. Unable to feed their families, pay bills or send their children to school, they have to adjust to living hand to mouth, many are turning to suicide as their last resort. The following video, in English and Hindi was uploaded by students of the IIM Ahmedabad as part of their Socio Cultural Environment of Business course explains the role the diamond polishers of Surat in Gujarat had in the industry, and how they've now been cut off the process, leaving formerly bustling factories empty of diamond polishers and replaced with embroidery industry, of which they know nothing about. Highly skilled specialized workers find themselves having to find jobs in different industries, earning much less than before. Their children, who used to attend private schools are now finding themselves barred from presenting exams due to lack of payment:
The situation in Surat is quite serious, as approximately 50% of the diamond cutters and polishers have been laid off. The government is trying to get scholarships to the children of the workers so they can continue their studies. In an Hindustani Times blog, an editorial reads:
The impending crisis has another dimension in Surat — while laid-off workers around the world can usually depend on their families to help tide them over, most of the workers here have entire families in diamond polishing, and all risk losing their jobs or having pay cut drastically at the same time.
On Pragoti.org the number of suicides due to the diamond industry crisis is said to be 71:
Even as Modi’s trumpeteers are jumping in joy over the investment figures, at least 71 diamond polishers have committed suicide in Gujarat over the last few months following their laying off due to the global meltdown severely hitting the industry. Modi, who loves to present himself as a ‘common man’, refused to bail out the diamond workers who remained at the mercy of the shrewd traders…
… Apart from the 71 suicides across Gujarat, the situation among the diamond workers has become so grim that there was near stampede outside the Surat Diamond Association where forms for school fees exemption were being distributed.
Diamond polishing is an exact art, on which the rough stone is transformed intro the brilliant gems that grace jewelry all over the world. In the following video, part of the interactive online documentary “The Diamond Road” [caution, it seems the site has a trojan, reason why I'm not including a link], we see a young diamond polishing apprentice polishing his very first diamond after a three month unpaid apprenticeship:
If you would like to know more about the industry, Jobanputra, on the next videos, gives us a tour of the Sanghavi Diamond processing factory where we see and he explains the whole process from rough stone to gem. On the comprehensive four part video tour of the factory he explains how they follow best practices, don't hire children and ensure their diamonds come from reputable sources and are not “blood diamonds“:
Click to view part 2, part 3 and part 4 of the Diamond Manufacturing Process.
Azerbaijan: Novruz
Shekerbura traditional Novruz sweet pastry, Farida's Azerbaijani Cookbook
Prohibited but celebrated discreetly during its years as a Soviet republic, Novruz is now one of the most anticipated holidays to be openly marked in Azerbaijan. Also observed in Afghanistan and Iran as well as by the Kurds in Turkey on the day of the vernal equinox, while the festival might be marked slightly differently in each, it remains distinct, as Universal Thoughts explains.
Novruz is a holiday celebrating the arrival of spring. It is believed to be Zoroastrian holiday […].
[…] the fact that Novruz transcends nationalities, cultures and religions is most remarkable. […] The fact that Shia Islam had adopted, nurtured and saved this great day, with all its traditions intact is most amazing. While Christianity had changed pagan holidays and made them their own, […] Islam could not and would not do that.
In Azerbaijan, a country with a Shi‘ite Muslim majority population, nine days holiday were declared instead of the normal five. Zehra's Daily yesterday explained the origins and signicance of Novruz.
[…] An origin of holiday Novruz also often connect with ancient religion of Azerbaijanians Zoroastrianism. Quite definitely, that Novruz it was marked and during pre-Islamic times and later. […] Holiday Novruz is connected with spring, the beginning of agricultural works, updating of the nature and approach of warm days. The importance of this period of year for a life of people since the most ancient times has generated set of customs and the ceremonies connected with magic actions, a cult of the nature and fertility, beliefs in the dying and reviving nature. […]
I realy like this holiday cause I feel that spring is coming :). Wish to all happy Novruz :)
However, preparations start long before yesterday when Novruz officially began as Sheki, Azerbaijan detailed last year.
Starting four weeks in advance of Novruz each Wednesday (Çərşənbə) we celebrate Wednesday of Wind, Wednesday of Water, Wednesday of Fire and Wednesday of Earth. Evening of 20th of March and 21st of March are actual Novruz celebration days. […]
We have many traditions connected with Novruz such as jumping over fire (to drop past year troubles into the fire), prepare special Novruz deserts (to energize the batteries of the body that get exhausted during cold winter) and visiting the families and relatives.
As with New Year, it is the eve of such days which are perhaps most important, and Sheki, Azerbaijan detailed most of the preceding special days in separate posts for this year's observance of Novruz. Towards the end of February, the blog introduced its readers to Water Tuesday.
[…] today…is first Tuesday when we “acknowledge” approach of Novruz in Azerbaijan and this Tuesday is “water” Tuesday as we call it here. […] today…is first Tuesday when we “acknowledge” approach of Novruz in Azerbaijan and this Tuesday is “water” Tuesday as we call it here.
The following week in March saw Fire Tuesday observed.
Fire…those who know the history of Zoroastrianism and know a bit about Azerbaijan might have heard that there is a zoroastrian pilgrimage in suburbs of Baku and that fire is somewhat sacred in this “odlar yurdu” i.e. land of fire i.e. Azerbaijan… […]
Fire is another sign of nature that is celebrated during Novruz. Fire means warmth and comfort…I hope there is more warmth and comfort in our homes and hearts than anything else…
The blog missed Wind Tuesday, but last week wrote about that day as well as the final Earth Tuesday before the holiday is actually observed.
Unfortunately last Tuesday I wasn’t able to write about wind Tuesday…I was thinking to write that they say that Baku means city of winds and this wind makes sometimes hot and humid summers a bit bearable but also makes winters much colder than thermometers show… […]
This Tuesday is evening of earth sign of nature…I guess the most important sign. I say the most important cause it was the first and main reason why people started to fight with each other…Earth said: “I will feed you and amaze you, all you need is to take care of me, love me and enjoy…but people thought that more they have of it better and started wars to occupy as much of it as possible in the meantime forgetting what they needed the earth for in the first place…”
[…]
This Tuesday evening is considered as the most festive…with candles on the table, dishes cooked and sweets prepared people are celebrating the awakening of earth…spring is coming and rejuvenating nature will bring hopes and love or hopes for love to everyone…
Gypsy Soul, a Peace Corps Volunteer blog, particularly enjoys the holiday.
[…] there is some exciting stuff happening in Azerbaijan right now. One thing is that it is Novruz! […] Novruz is, from what I understand, the biggest holiday in Azerbaijan. […] Last Tuesday kids went around to different houses and throw their hats in the house. Why might you ask? Because each house then fills the hats with pastries they made, candy, and fruit. Tons of fun! However my absolute favorite thing is the fire jumping! Yes, you heard right. Each Tuesday everyone builds a bonfire in their yard and everyone jumps it 3 times. […] Another neat thing about Norvuz is that everything is shut down for 9 days of holiday - i.e. no work. That is always fun, so starting tomorrow my days will be filled with guesting!
Photo: Novruz Sumani © ♥ Lala ♥, used by permission
Learning to Walk in Stilettos also noticed some of the same traditions, and especially those associated with food.
One tradition that I’m anxious to witness is the holiday table (because we all know I love food). The table is set with a white cloth to represent purity and the table must have seven items beginning with the letter “s”…
Sumaq (sumac) - for the color of the sun at sunrise
Sumani (wheat sprouts) - sweetness, fertility, having many children
Sikke (coins) - good luck
Su (water) - purity, rebirth and health
Sabzi (vegetable) - purity and good fortune
Sud (milk) - health and natural beauty
Sarikok (yellow ginger) - sweetness in life
Another tradition which I find interesting is ”papag atdi”, meaning hat throwing…this is similar to the American tradition of “trick or treat”. Children visit their neighbors and leavetheir caps or a basket on the door step. The children, knock then hide to see if they will be receive candy, nuts or treats. We didn’t receive any papag atdiers last night and from my understanding this tradition is also supposed to occur on Wind Tuesday….bummer. That would have been kind of fun although I honestly don’t know what I would have given out as treats…
There are many other traditions celebrated with Novruz including not locking doors. On the first day of the NewYear houses are lit all night long because switching off lights is considered bad luck. Novruz is also a time for renewing friendships.
The adventures from afar… says Novruz is the time to be in Azerbaijan.
Novruz has started, and will continue until the end of next week. Novruz is a celebration of spring as well. It is a time of renewal and symbolizes rebirth, awakening, cleanliness and newness. Semeni, a grass or sprouted wheat, is grown and placed as centerpieces around homes, restaurants, etc. I have come to really enjoy seeing the semeni around town because it makes me feel as though spring is truly here! Other things are done as well… washing your face in cold water on Tuesday (every Tuesday until the end of the celebration), jumping fires, treats are made and given (Pakhlava (baklava) and Shekerbura), and decorating/coloring eggs […].
Novruz is still going on… so I will update you on the events that I witness. Tomorrow I am supposed to go downtown to see some fire jumping and join in the Spring Equinox festivities.
Stitch Itch, another expat blog, was presented with some of those sweet pastries although could only recognize the Baklava. Farida's Azerbaijani Cookbook not only identifies the second, Shekerbura, but also provides a handy illustrated step-by-step Novruz recipe.
If Samani is a green symbol of Novruz, two desserts, Pakhlava (baklava) and Shekerbura, are the spring holiday’s sweet symbols. No Novruz table is complete without these delicious nut filled delights.
[…]
Shekerbura is a sweet pastry filled with ground nuts and sugar. In Azerbaijan, making shekerbura usually involves a team-work. Relatives and neighbors get together at somebody’s house and all contribute to the making of this and other Novruz treats. Baked shekerbura is put on the table on a khoncha, a special holiday tray, filled with Novruz desserts, nuts, dried fruits and colored eggs.
Global Voices Online wishes those readers who celebrate Novruz happy holidays and a bountiful spring.
Taiwan: Diplomatic Officer's Blogposts Ignite Ethnic Controversy
In the history of Taiwanese's struggle to democracy, some scars seem never healed and when time comes, they bleed. “Ethnicity” is one of these scars. From the biological point of view, mainlanders who immigrated from Mainland China to Taiwan around 50 years ago and “Taiwanese” who too came from Mainland China 200 years ago belong to the same Han people. However, due to the divides and differences between social classes, language uses, political views toward China and reunification, historical complex, and constant arousal by media and elections, the two “ethnic” communities are under certain kind of tension which is hard to resolved till now. The latest example of the tension, according to Michael Turton, is:
A huge story last week was the revelation that Kuo Kuan-ying, an information officer in the Taiwan diplomatic service in Toronto appears to have an alter ego named Fan Lan-chin who is a raving mainlander bigot.
On March 11, the opposition party (Democratic Progressive Party, DPP) Legislator Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) accused Kuo of having written a number of articles defaming Taiwan and its people under the pen name. From Taipei Times:
In the articles, the author referred to the Taiwanese as taibazi (台巴子, “Taiwanese rednecks”) and wokou (倭寇, “Japanese pirates”). The author said “the imposition of martial law had been a benevolent act of the then government,” and that “[China] should spend many years suppressing [people in Taiwan] instead of granting any political freedom [to them] once it has taken Taiwan by force.” The author also called Taiwan a “ghost island.” Kuan said her allegation was based on the fact that one of the online articles about Taipei’s Jiancheng Circle market posted on Fan Lan-chin’ blog on July 25, 2006, was also published by Kuo in the Chinese-language China Times on Aug. 2, 2006. The article described feelings about the decline of the Jiancheng Circle, Taipei’s oldest food market. A phrase that read “we are high-class mainlanders” was mentioned in the article. Hsu said Kuo sent a statement to the GIO to explain himself, in which he said that he wrote the China Times article but not the others under the name Fan Lan-chin. Kuo was quoted by Hsu as saying the article he wrote was then posted on Fan Lan-chin’s blog. Kuo was also quoted by Hsu as conceding that he did write “we are high-class mainlanders” in the article, but saying that the phrase was meant as “an expression of self-depreciation.”
Since Kuo denied the authorship of other insulting articles, netizens started to figure his identity out on their own. Billy Pan uses “human flesh search engine” to affirm that Guo is Fan.
郭冠英在網路上用化名范蘭欽寫文章，自稱是高級外省人，高調地罵台灣人是台巴子，倭寇。被PTT鄉民和部落客揭發後，卻矢口否 認。……不敢捍衛自已的主張，是這群所謂的『高級外省人』(超惡劣的名詞，那難道有低級外省人嗎?或低級本省人嗎?)，還有馬冏團隊的特徵。巧言 令色，玩弄文字，前後不一。
東窗事發後，筆名『范蘭欽』的部落客馬上刪去了他所有的文章。這是個很笨的作法。因為，網友和 Google都備份下來了。打實體的『郭冠英』，虛擬的『范蘭欽』馬上刪文。……除了已經在新聞媒體上曝光的，有PTT網友指出曾為郭冠英輸入這 些文章的報導外，……根據某噗浪網友的比對，『范蘭欽』至少有 55 篇文章又以『郭才子』的筆名發表，有時是同一天，有時是郭才子早，有時是范蘭欽早。
水月清風 The Lotus Pool By Moonlight also finds that:
2.29的八卦版有人轉錄了一篇聯合報的社論「被掩蓋的真相…陳儀 是非魔痴228」，內容約略是陳儀屠殺出於不得已，錯在台灣刁民。本來鄉民大家酸一酸也就算了，但是現在是個google很好很強大的時代，鄉民不只發現 這篇文章的作者泛藍欽有許多奇文值得共賞外，更發現了，同一篇文章被刊登在郭冠英的Blog上。
However, 水月清風 The Lotus Pool By Moonlight argues that:
其實就言論自由的角度來說 范蘭欽的文章是沒有問題的 (雖然罵到很多台灣人，我覺得也很不爽) 但畢竟嘴巴長在他臉上，手生在他身上……
但這問題的癥結就是 范蘭欽背後的真實人物的身份？ 如果是政府的公務人員呢？ 而且又是坐領高薪從事新聞外交事務的官員呢？ 這就很有爭議跟責難的地方了。
今天，我把范蘭欽是不是就是郭冠英交給輿論（難道就是人肉搜索隊嗎？）處理。我關心的問題不在這兒；我關心的問題是身為外省族群的范蘭欽那種莫名其妙的優越感為何要公開地顯示出來、用以挑釁眼睛瞧不見的「對方」。
問題的嚴重性其實還出在對「台灣人」的認知：如果把外省人排除在外，根本沒把外省人視作是台灣人，問題才真正地嚴重。
Not everyone thinks that Kuo should be dismissed from office. aguai thinks that even a bastard has his right:
即便郭冠英是個親中深藍滿腦子大中國思想的人 我看不出來他有任何因為歧視辱罵台獨分子而被迫失去工作的正當性 他可以完全是一個大中國沙文主義的混帳 而我們應該誓死維護他混帳的權利 理論上來說 這才是所謂的民主吧
However, on traditional and social media as well as in political arena, Kuo's articles and his attitude have become the most convenient target for politicians and angry “country men” who are motivated to use even more insulting arguments to fight back. The issues of freedom of speech, ethnic controversy, and President Ma's awful governance are all mixed together in the debate this time. With the approaching of municipal election, what is sure is that more and more “accidents” like Kuo's event are on the way.
Serbia: Russell Gordon's Detention Case
Photo by Goran Necin
American photojournalist and correspondent Russell Gordon will sue Republic of Serbia for human rights violations that happened while he was in Belgrade Central Prison. Gordon spent 48 hours in detention where he was physically and psychologically harassed. He added he would sue Serbian government, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice to local and European Human Rights Courts.
Gordon was arrested on Monday, because he broke a window on a court in Sopot. He was revolted after the court session, because authorities have not reacted to protect him and his wife Jelena Kajtaz from serious threats.
Goran Necin published part of letter sent by Russell Gordon to his colleagues (SRP):
[…] I am a physically disabled man, with a deteriorating spine from a spinal injury. I walk with a cane, need weekly medical therapy to live and function adequately, and must not use my spine physically. I was at first given a thin wooden board to sleep on, placed on a frame of 5 metal tubes, with two nails sticking up out of it. I respectfully requested a mattress several times, but the guards said there weren't any, and slammed the door. I made the best I could, turning the nails away, and putting my blankets on it.
I was called for medical interview, where I mentioned my spinal injury and condition, gout, irritable bowel disorder (genetic) and allergy to all milk products. Fortunately the doctors ordered a mattress, which saved my spine much, but not all, pain.
The whole time I was there I requested either a bit of toilet paper or a piece of newspaper to wipe myself with after using the turkish-style crapper. I was respectful and refused belligerently each time. Luckily one guard had let me bring in a large Ayn Rand book; good thinking.
By last day I was enraged, and cursed a sadistic guard. He opened the door and threatened me, but was surprised when I responded by getting off my top bunk, and approaching, ready. He withdrew and called his colleagues.
His boss informed me I could not have any toilet or other paper, that I would have to request it in writing. Then I would get it the next day as humanitarian aid. I repeatedly warned them that the treatment I was receiving was incorrect, to which they laughed and insulted.
First night only water. Next afternoon bread and cheese — which I could not eat from allergy, due to milk. Lunch included yoghurt. I ate a bit of goulash, but suspecting more lactose products, and refused to eat further.
When it was time to be released, due to extensive local Serbian press coverage and public sympathy, the guards made me carry my belongings, plus two blankets, shoes, plate and spoon, in one arm which I could not do, as I walk with a cane. I told them I was handicapped and had a serious spinal injury, and needed to at least carry the blankets on my shoulders, and at least 4 times a group of 10 guards taunted me, made fun of my disability, and ordered me to place everything on the floor, stand up, bend down, pick up, bend down and repeat. They had done similar with me having to climb up and down from a top bunk as well.
I warned them that there would be repercussions for Serbia, but that only increased their laughing, insults, humiliation and taunting. By then I could feel the swelling starting in my spine, and the increasing pain, aggravated by the 48 hours on that bed.
Links for Sat, 2009-03
Read OneJerusalem's four-part series on Israeli youth's obsession with American culture to “find out what exactly it is about all of that junk from the States that makes young Israelis trade in their Arik Einstein for Hootie and the Blowfish.”
Brian of This Normal Life writes about the cultural differences between Israelis and Americans on the road and his son's new driving license. “But 17…that’s the year you transcend being a mere passenger to taking command of a 3,000 pound metal death machine and hurtling it through – and against - the most dangerous waters in the world: the Israeli highway. I’m so proud.”
Mark Grigorian [RU] announces the death of his long-time colleague and friend, veteran local photojournalist Ruben Mangasarian. The journalist-blogger says Mangasarian was more than just a friend and remembers some of the stories the two worked on together.
Italian comedian and opinion-leader Beppe Grillo's blog [ja] is the only blog that is translated into Japanese (and English), presenting Italy from an unusual perspective. In his blog, he also hosts the translated version of journalist Marco Travaglio's weekly talks on the misdeeds of the current Italian government [it].
Suzanne Pepper wrote a review on Hong Kong's political development since 1997 in China Elections and Governance.
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